Choice Hotels International Expands to Australia with MainStay Suites Launch

Choice Hotels International, one of the most renowned global leaders in the hospitality industry, is making a significant stride into the Australian market with the unveiling of its MainStay Suites brand. This launch signifies the brand's first venture beyond North America, paving the way for 581 new rooms across seven hotels in various locations, including Melbourne, Whyalla, Mackay, and Townsville. This strategic expansion enhances Choice Hotels International's already impressive footprint in Australia, which now boasts a total of 163 hotels and 7,487 rooms.

The Australian landscape is witnessing a surge in demand for extended stay accommodations, especially from sectors such as business, healthcare, government, and construction. MainStay Suites is designed to meet this rising demand by providing a home-like environment for longer-term guests. Each suite includes essential amenities such as fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, laundry facilities, and dedicated workspaces, allowing guests to maintain their daily routines comfortably and conveniently. The target audience for MainStay Suites includes Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) workers, healthcare professionals, and families relocating for various reasons.

Pat Pacious, the President and CEO of Choice Hotels, expressed enthusiasm about the new opportunities this launch brings. He stated, "Introducing MainStay Suites to Australia strengthens our presence in the region, and now broadens our reach into the growing extended stay category. This launch supports our growth strategy and international footprint, providing tailored solutions for corporate and government travelers, as well as project-based workers."

In addition to enhancing guest experiences, the MainStay Suites brand offers significant advantages for investors and developers. With its turnkey model suitable for both new constructions and property conversions, the brand is backed by Choice Hotels' extensive infrastructure and expertise. Furthermore, all MainStay Suites properties will participate in the award-winning Choice Privileges loyalty program, allowing members to earn and redeem points at over 7,100 hotels globally.

The expansion comes through a strategic partnership with Extended STAY Australasia, a pioneering company in the extended stay sector within Australia. This collaboration enables Choice Hotels to leverage local expertise and operational excellence to effectively serve the Australian market while ensuring that guests enjoy a unique "Live Like Home™" experience.

Paul Constantinou AM, Chairman of Extended STAY Australasia, emphasized that MainStay Suites transcends being just another hotel option. He described it as a solution focused on providing guests with comfort and flexibility tailored to long-term stays. As travelers increasingly seek options that combine convenience with the comforts of home, MainStay Suites is well-positioned to fulfill these needs.

This launch in Australia signifies a broader trend of international growth for Choice Hotels, which has ambitious plans for expansion in key markets globally. Recent successes include growing their room offerings in China and Japan, establishing strategic partnerships across the Caribbean and Latin America, and enhancing their portfolio in France. The company recently reported significant growth, projecting high single-digit international room growth for the year, raising expectations for continued expansion of its international footprint beyond the 150,000 rooms already established outside the United States.

The announcement of MainStay Suites aligns with Choice Hotels' ongoing commitment to innovation and leadership in the extended stay segment. With 22 brands under its umbrella, including extensive midscale, upscale, and extended stay options, Choice Hotels demonstrates a comprehensive approach to hospitality, catering to diverse traveler needs across various regions.

In conclusion, the introduction of MainStay Suites in Australia is not only a pivotal moment for Choice Hotels International but also a response to the evolving landscape of travel and accommodation. As the demand for extended stays grows, the MainStay brand stands ready to offer high-quality service tailored to the needs of today's modern traveler, all while reinforcing the company's dedication to sustainability, community engagement, and operational excellence in the hospitality industry.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. continues to be a dominant force in the global lodging franchising sector, with nearly 7,500 hotels representing over 640,000 rooms across 46 countries. With ongoing innovations and partnerships, the company is well-positioned to meet the future demands of travelers while providing valuable opportunities for franchise owners and stakeholders alike.